Services

I provide copy-editing and proofreading services to organisations and individuals. I work on electronic documents and provide changes and comments using track changes in Microsoft Word.

The different levels of service depend on the client's requirements. Proofreading is the 'lightest' form of work on a document and involves correcting or flagging up errors in the text and layout. Copy-editing is the 'heaviest' and involves correcting language, usage and consistency. An example of the tasks involved with each level of service is provided below:

Copy-editing

This usually takes place once a final draft of the document is ready. Tasks include:

Checking the suitability of the text for the intended audience.
Ensuring that titles, key messages, recommendations and conclusions are meaningful and clear.
Correcting grammar and punctuation errors.
Ensuring that the text is consistent and follows style guide requirements, where one exists.
Providing comments and suggestions on the content and structure of the text, for example:
- sentence and paragraph length
- unclear or unsubstantiated statements or passages
- logical flow of the document
Simplifying technical language and identifying terms that need further definition.
Checking references against the bibliography and flagging missing references.

Proofreading

This takes place after a document has been edited and formatted/typeset and just before it is ready to be published. Tasks include:

Checking page numbers and page headings.
Checking the table of contents against chapter titles and page numbers.
Ensuring that illustrations, captions and labels correspond with each other and with the text.
Ensuring spelling and hyphenation is consistent with the relevant style guide.
Identifying errors and inconsistencies in layout and typography.

Fees

Fees reflect the different levels of service and depend on each document and each client's requirement. As a guide, please see the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading for its information on fees.